Nokian Tyres has developed the most energy efficient winter tyre model in the automotive industry. The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 is a genuine winter tyre designed for BMW's unique i3 electric car, and it combines extremely low rolling resistance, first-class grip, and exceptional driving comfort. According to tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 can reduce the rolling resistance of electric vehicles even 30%. The energy savings gained from the lower rolling resistance increase the vehicle's range.

In January 2015, the world's northernmost winter tyre manufacturer is introducing a winter product that achieves the A class in the EU tyre label. The new Nordic non-studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 winter tyre is especially designed for BMW's i3 electric cars. The new tyre model’s size is155/70R19 84Q. This modern introduction to the Nokian Hakkapeliitta family represents future technology, and it allows for safe, economical, and high-performance driving on snow and ice in demanding Nordic winter weather.

- We are proud to be able to offer more winter grip, less worry, and, in particular, more range to the ever-increasing number of electric car owners. Making transport safer and greener is also a leading principle for our product development, says Product Development Manager Jarno Ahvenlammi from Nokian Tyres.

According to the EU tyre label, the rolling resistance of the new model is in class A; this has not been achieved by any winter tyre before. By using new Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 winter tyre electric vehicle drivers can enjoy even 30% lower rolling resistance compared to other winter tyres on the market. The rolling resistance of competitors is in class C and E.

Energy efficiency and winter safety – new Nokian Intelligent eSilica

Electric cars are light, and their aerodynamics are fine-tuned. This makes them challenging for tyre designers. This new model takes the test winning Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 and optimises all of its structural components for use on electric cars.

- Our new, relentlessly tested technology concept makes the tyre body firm and stiff, and this, together with several new material components, minimises the tyre's heat generation and internal deformation. This allows for extremely low rolling resistance that is world record class. In the future, we will be using the same technology in our other winter products, explains Ahvenlammi, who leads the testing and development of Nokian Tyres' special products for electric vehicles.

Rolling resistance refers to the energy required by the tyre's road contact and its deformation; reducing rolling resistance requires total control over the complex relationship between the tyre structure, tread pattern, and rubber compounds. It may come as a surprise to many that high-quality winter tyres offer even lower rolling resistance than summer tyres. The energy savings gained from the lower rolling resistance increase the vehicle's range. Maximising the unforeseen energy efficiency and safety of the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 for electric and hybrid vehicles also required developing entirely new types of rubber compounds.

The molecular chains of the next-generation functional Nokian Intelligent eSilica tread compound connect with the silica particles to form a strong but flexible combination. The rubber compound works very well across a wide temperature range, improving winter grip and further reducing rolling resistance. The sipes or grooves of the symmetrical tread pattern function actively regardless of the changes in grip level and temperature. The compound creates exceptional grip on ice, snow, and wet roads, and excellent wear resistance. The canola oil used in the rubber compound adds tear strength to the new Hakkapeliitta, increasing its durability, and improves grip on snow and ice.

The aggressive arrow-like tread pattern, already used on the test-winning Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2, and the safety innovations that improve handling, such as the grip particles and pump sipes of the Cryo Crystal concept, ensure balanced handling and excellent winter grip, even on wet ice.